Women look at traditional Japanese swords and replicas of blades that appeared in the animated series 'Neon Genesis Evangelion' Tuesday in Paris at a preview of an exhibition that opened Wednesday. | KYODO

Anime-themed Japanese sword exhibition to open in Paris

PARIS – An exhibition showcasing traditional Japanese swords as well as replicas of blades that appeared in the animated series “Neon Genesis Evangelion” opened at the Japan Cultural Institute in Paris on Wednesday.

The “Evangelion and Japanese Swords” show was devised jointly by the Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum in Okayama Prefecture, which hopes to interest a younger audience in Japanese swords, and the anime work’s copyright management company.

The organizers decided to bring the show to Europe after it was favorably received in Japan in a tour across the country that began in July 2012.

About 50 sword craftsmen produced pieces inspired by anime, such as “The Spear of Longinus” and the “Magoroku Sword.”

“The collaboration between anime, which represents modern Japanese culture, and Japanese swords, which represent refined traditional culture, is meaningful,” said Sadanobu Gassan, a 34-year-old sword maker.

The exhibition will run through June 21 in Paris before being held in Madrid between July 5 and Sept. 28.